2016 Sports Picture Story

First Place: David Goldman / Associated Press

First Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Andrew Hale, right, holds his daughter Chloe, 3, both of Louisville, as he explains to her who Muhammad Ali was as they visit a makeshift memorial to him at the Muhammad Ali Center, Saturday, June 4, 2016, in Louisville, Ky. "He was strong, courageous, and I hope I can be like that one day and just show love to my daughter like he showed his. That's what I was explaining to her," said Hale. "She asked me where he is and I said he was in heaven." Ali, the magnificent heavyweight champion whose fast fists and irrepressible personality transcended sports and captivated the world, died Friday at the age of 74.

David Goldman / Associated Press

First Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Carol Conaway, of Louisville, carries flowers to leave at a makeshift memorial to Muhammad Ali at the Muhammad Ali Center Tuesday, June 7, 2016, in Louisville, Ky. "I really appreciated his stand on the Vietnam war," said Conaway. "I was very opposed to it. I really admired the man." In a city accustomed to capturing the world's attention for just two minutes during the Kentucky Derby each year, Ali's memorial service Friday looms as one of the most historic events in Louisville's history. Former presidents, heads of nations from around the globe, movie stars and sports greats will descend upon the city to pay final respects to The Louisville Lip.

David Goldman / Associated Press

First Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Constantine Kavgazoff, of Louisville, Ky., carries a poster from his son's bedroom after having his wife take a photo of him with it outside the childhood home of Muhammad Ali, rear, Sunday, June 5, 2016, in Louisville, Ky. "It's sad, real sad," said Kavgazoff. "He's in a better place and what he stood for is hopefully spread more profound now." Ali, the magnificent heavyweight champion whose fast fists and irrepressible personality transcended sports and captivated the world, died Friday at the age of 74.

David Goldman / Associated Press

First Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Keilan Malone, 11, takes a break while working out at TKO Boxing, a local boxing gym near where Ali Muhammad used to train Monday, June 6, 2016, in Louisville, Ky. The president of Turkey and king of Jordan joined the long line of world leaders, religious figures and superstars set to speak at Ali's funeral Friday.

David Goldman / Associated Press

First Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Sonya Reed kisses her son Dashawn Roberts, 11, both of Louisville, during a memorial service to Muhammad Ali outside his childhood home Monday, June 6, 2016, in Louisville, Ky. In a city accustomed to capturing the world's attention for just two minutes during the Kentucky Derby each year, Ali's memorial service Friday looms as one of the most historic events in Louisville's history. Former presidents, heads of nations from around the globe, movie stars and sports greats will descend upon the city to pay final respects to The Louisville Lip.

David Goldman / Associated Press

First Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Shamila Zuberi is silhouetted while standing by a window before the start of an interfaith service at the Islamic Cultural Center of Louisville following the death of Muhammad Ali Sunday, June 5, 2016, in Louisville, Ky. Ali, the magnificent heavyweight champion whose fast fists and irrepressible personality transcended sports and captivated the world, died Friday at the age of 74.

David Goldman / Associated Press

First Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Nerissa Sparkman, of Louisville, practices yoga while waiting in line for the box office to open for tickets to Muhammad Ali's memorial service Friday at the KFC Yum! Center Wednesday, June 8, 2016, in Louisville, Ky. Ali's memorial service Friday looms as one of the most historic events in Louisville's history.

David Goldman / Associated Press

First Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

American flags fly at half-staff in honor of Muhammad Ali as a woman sits on a steamboat on the Ohio River Tuesday, June 7, 2016, in Louisville, Ky. In a city accustomed to capturing the world's attention for just two minutes during the Kentucky Derby each year, Ali's memorial service Friday looms as one of the most historic events in Louisville's history. Former presidents, heads of nations from around the globe, movie stars and sports greats will descend upon the city to pay final respects to The Louisville Lip.

David Goldman / Associated Press

First Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Rahaman Ali, brother of Muhammad Ali, cries during a service at King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church where Muhammad Ali's father worshipped and where Ali would occasionally accompany him, Sunday, June 5, 2016, in Louisville, Ky. Ali, the magnificent heavyweight champion whose fast fists and irrepressible personality transcended sports and captivated the world, died Friday at the age of 74.

First Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

A portrait of Muhammad Ali is displayed next to a pair of boxing gloves at the I Am Ali Festival at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts Wednesday, June 8, 2016, in Louisville, Ky.

David Goldman / Associated Press

Second Place: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

Second Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

When Pat Manuel stepped through the ropes and into the boxing ring at the South El Monte Community Center last spring, it was the last step of a long journey, one that stretched back more than four years to Manuels last bout, in the 2012 Olympic Trials. Along the way he lost his coach and his gym, two jobs and a handful of people he once considered friends. The last time Manuel fought he was a she, making the three-round bout in South El Monte the first in U.S. professional boxing history to feature a fighter who has transitioned from female to male.

Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

Second Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Pat gets an injection of testosterone from a friend and strength coach Aaron Vasquez in the garage of his residence in Gardena. Pat receives the drug once a week and would later have top surgery.

Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

Second Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Pat Manuel is comforted by his mother in the early morning hours before top surgery at a hospital in Salt Lake City. Pat's grandmother paid for the $6,000 surgery.

Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

Second Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

As Pat's mother Loretta looks on in a hotel room Pat smiles as he sees his chest for the first time through a vest one day after top surgery in Sal Lake City.

Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

Second Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

With Pat looking more like a man, an older gentleman offers his phone number at a gay bar in Long Beach. Pat had more tie to catch up on his social life since he could not box for months after the top surgery.

Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

Second Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

As friends watch, Pat Manuel celebrates while throwing his bra in a bonfire during a ceremony one year after his top surgery at Dockweiler State Beach.

Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

Second Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Having cleaance to box, Pat warms-up before a sparring match in Duarte. Pat had to wait six months before any contact so the breast tissue could heal.

Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

Second Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

A few nights before a poosible boxing match Pat closes his eyes to concentrate and run through his boxing moves in his head in Long Beach.

Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

Second Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Pat stands on a scale at a boxing tournament in hopes of finding a match later in the day. Pat would go home without a fight.

Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

Second Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

A frustrated Pat stands in disbelief after his opponent suddenly leaves the gym and never comes back to fight him. Rumors were flying that nobody wanted to fight Pat because he once was a woman.

Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

Second Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Pat and his Duarte Boxing Club teamates watch an undercard at a boxing tournament in Azuza. Pat landed an exhibition fight for his first bout as a male boxer.

Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

Second Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

An estatic Pat Manuel can hardly control his emotions with his mother Loretta after his first fight as a male at a boxing tournament in Azuza. Typically no judges or decisions are made in an exhibition fight.

Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

Third Place: Javier Arcenillas

Third Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Police officer, Alberto Neron Castro to his departure from a football match in San Pedro Sula. Honduras

Javier Arcenillas

Third Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

A man plays football in the neighborhood of Villanueva in Guatemala City

Javier Arcenillas

Third Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Football Neighbors in one of the streets of Rivera Hernandez colony. One of the most violent places in the city of San Pedro Sula

Javier Arcenillas

Third Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Soldiers in a truck through the streets of San Salvador while a passerby walks around with a football

Javier Arcenillas

Third Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Football Neighbors in one of the streets of Rivera Hernandez colony. one of the most violent places in the city of San Pedro Sula

Javier Arcenillas

Third Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Children playing in the police station of Monte Fresco in San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Javier Arcenillas

Third Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Raids on bars Comayagela as fans watch football matches for the seizure of arms and drugs.

Javier Arcenillas

Third Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Colony Rivera Hernandez in San Pedro Sula. The girl Teila Juliet, with the shirt of Real Madrid who is a fan front of one of the murals ask for Peace in the neighborhood

Javier Arcenillas

Third Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Tegucigalpa, Colonia March 14, unit 103 national police group monitor and patrol a street. In the picture the police arrest illegal players in the colony engaged in illegal football betting and taken to the police station to imprison them.

Javier Arcenillas

Third Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Half of the El Salvador national beach soccer team lives in the Pirraya, a small island where most of l population is engaged in fishing, players included. Trtabajan there from early morning until the afternoon before training with neighbors and after bringing the trophies have converido them one of the world's best teams in this discipline.

Javier Arcenillas

Third Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Children playing football in the neighborhood Rivera Hernandez of San Pedro Sula controlled by Mara 18

Javier Arcenillas

Third Place - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Half of the El Salvador national beach soccer team lives in the Pirraya, a small island where most of l population is engaged in fishing, players included. Trtabajan there from early morning until the afternoon before training with neighbors and after bringing the trophies have converido them one of the world's best teams in this discipline.

Javier Arcenillas

Honorable Mention: David Ramos / Getty Images

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 06: Sopita Tanasan of Thailand competes in the Women's 48kg Group A Final on Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Riocentro - Pavilion 2 on August 6, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

David Ramos / Getty Images

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 10: Carlos Andres Mina of Ecuador (Red) and Joseph Ward of Ireland (Blue) compete in the Men's Light Heavy preliminary round fight on Day 5 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Riocentro - Pavilion 6 on August 10, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

David Ramos / Getty Images

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 01: Giovanna Pedroso (L) and Ingrid de Oliveira of Brazil practices on the Women's 10m Platform at the Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park on August 1, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

David Ramos / Getty Images

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 07: Simone Biles of the United States competes on the balance beam during Women's qualification for Artistic Gymnastics on Day 2 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Rio Olympic Arena on August 7, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

David Ramos / Getty Images

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 31: Nathan Hart of Australia practices during a Cycling Track training session at the Rio Olympic Velodrome on July 31, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

David Ramos / Getty Images

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 17: Fans of Brazil cheer on their team during the Women's Quarterfinal match between China and Brazil on day 11 of the Rio 2106 Olympic Games at the Maracanazinho on August 17, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

David Ramos / Getty Images

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 09: Michael Phelps (L) of the United States leads Chad le Clos of South Africa in the Men's 200m Butterfly Final on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on August 9, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

David Ramos / Getty Images

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 12: Nicole Ahsinger of the United States competes during the Trampoline Gymnastics Women's Qualification on Day 7 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Rio Olympic Arena on August 12, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

David Ramos / Getty Images

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 13: Jung Kim Gi of Republic of Korea celebrates defeating Carsten Mogensen and Mathias Boe of Denmark during the Men's Doubless Play Stage Group C match on Day 8 of the 2016 Rio Olympics at Riocentro - Pavilion 4 on August 13, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

David Ramos / Getty Images

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 14: Runners start the Women's Marathon on Day 9 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Sambodromo on August 14, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

David Ramos / Getty Images

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 10: Vladimir Nikitin of Russia fights against Boe Warawara of Vanuatu in the Men's Bantam preliminary round fight on Day 5 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Riocentro - Pavilion 6 on August 10, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

David Ramos / Getty Images

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 14: Amy Cragg of the United States falls on her knees after finishing the Women's Marathon on Day 9 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Sambodromo on August 14, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

David Ramos / Getty Images

Honorable Mention: Susana Vera / Reuters

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Every summer Sergio Colas joins hundreds of other runners for Pamplona's annual bull-run, but unlike them he cannot hear the roaring crowds or the bulls thundering through the winding streets of the Spanish town's medieval centre.
Deaf from birth, Colas has to rely on the movement of the mass of people around him to complete the almost kilometre-long dash without being gored or trampled by the specially-bred bulls, which can weigh up to 650 kilograms.

Susana Vera / Reuters

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Sergio Colas reacts amid runners during a crowded bull run at San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, July 8, 2016.

Susana Vera / Reuters

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

A medallion of San Fermin, believed to protect the runners that participate in the running of the bulls, hangs from the neck of Sergio Colas after the took part in the first bull run of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, July 7, 2016.

Susana Vera / Reuters

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Sergio Colas (C) moves away from the path of an El Pilar fighting bull after falling at the entrance to the bullring during the seventh running of the bulls at the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, July 13, 2011. This year Sergio Colas celebrates his 20th year of running with the bulls in Pamplona, where he started as a 15 year old kid following in the footsteps of his father.

Susana Vera / Reuters

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Sergio Colas uses a stain-remover on the pants he wore in the first bull run during the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, July 7, 2016.

Susana Vera / Reuters

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Sergio Colas shows the scar left by a bull's horn during a bull run in central Spain in 2009.

Susana Vera / Reuters

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Sergio Colas (C), his daughter Alaia and wife Alma take part in the traditional "Chupinazo" rocket launch during the start of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, July 6, 2016.

Susana Vera / Reuters

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Sergio Colas walks past revellers as he heads to take part in the first bull run of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, July 7, 2016.Reuters/Susana Vera

Susana Vera / Reuters

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Sergio Colas runs ahead of a bull during a crowded bull run at San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, July 8, 2016.

Susana Vera / Reuters

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Sergio Colas (R) greets another runner after coming out unscathed from the first bull run of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, July 7, 2016.

Susana Vera / Reuters

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Sergio Colas plays with his daughter Alaia during the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, July 8, 2016.

Susana Vera / Reuters

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Sergio Colas bids farewell to his wife Alma upon leaving to take part in the first bull run of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, July 7, 2016.

Susana Vera / Reuters

Honorable Mention: Moe Zoyari / Redux Pictures

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Athletes clean their boxing camp in Bangkok, Thailand. Muay Thai, a form of kickboxing, brings Thailand together in revelry and sport. Across the country, from cities to remote villages, people relish the excitement of this combat sport, as participants and spectators. In large cities, Muay Thai camps teach the art of eight limbs to tourists and city dwellers. They also train young men and women at no cost, teaching them physical and mental discipline with the intent to produce a champion that will bring money and honor back to the camp. Tiew, a 15-year-old fighter and known as the best in his camp, grew up in a village 290 miles from Bangkok. Like many poor villagers struggling to support their children, Tiews parents sent him to a camp in Bangkok to begin his Muay Thai career at age 6. After years of immersing himself fully in his training, Tiew returned to his place of birth on New Years to compete in the championships.

Moe Zoyari / Redux Pictures

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Tanom, 56 trains Sham, 6 in a boxing camp in Bangkok, Thailand. Muay Thai, a form of kickboxing, brings Thailand together in revelry and sport. Across the country, from cities to remote villages, people relish the excitement of this combat sport, as participants and spectators. In large cities, Muay Thai camps teach the art of eight limbs to tourists and city dwellers. They also train young men and women at no cost, teaching them physical and mental discipline with the intent to produce a champion that will bring money and honor back to the camp. Tiew, a 15-year-old fighter and known as the best in his camp, grew up in a village 290 miles from Bangkok. Like many poor villagers struggling to support their children, Tiews parents sent him to a camp in Bangkok to begin his Muay Thai career at age 6. After years of immersing himself fully in his training, Tiew returned to his place of birth on New Years to compete in the championships.

Moe Zoyari / Redux Pictures

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Athletes take a rest in a boxing camp in Bangkok, Thailand. Muay Thai, a form of kickboxing, brings Thailand together in revelry and sport. Across the country, from cities to remote villages, people relish the excitement of this combat sport, as participants and spectators. In large cities, Muay Thai camps teach the art of eight limbs to tourists and city dwellers. They also train young men and women at no cost, teaching them physical and mental discipline with the intent to produce a champion that will bring money and honor back to the camp. Tiew, a 15-year-old fighter and known as the best in his camp, grew up in a village 290 miles from Bangkok. Like many poor villagers struggling to support their children, Tiews parents sent him to a camp in Bangkok to begin his Muay Thai career at age 6. After years of immersing himself fully in his training, Tiew returned to his place of birth on New Years to compete in the championships

Moe Zoyari / Redux Pictures

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Ties, 15 (left), and his brother Sham, 6 workout in a camp in Bangkok, Thailand. Muay Thai, a form of kickboxing, brings Thailand together in revelry and sport. Across the country, from cities to remote villages, people relish the excitement of this combat sport, as participants and spectators. In large cities, Muay Thai camps teach the art of eight limbs to tourists and city dwellers. They also train young men and women at no cost, teaching them physical and mental discipline with the intent to produce a champion that will bring money and honor back to the camp. Tiew, a 15-year-old fighter and known as the best in his camp, grew up in a village 600 miles from Bangkok. Like many poor villagers struggling to support their children, Tiews parents sent him to a camp in Bangkok to begin his Muay Thai career at age 6. After years of immersing himself fully in his training, Tiew returned to his place of birth on New Years to compete in the championships.

Moe Zoyari / Redux Pictures

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Tiew, 15 looks on while others practice at a boxing camp in Bangkok, Thailand. Muay Thai, a form of kickboxing, brings Thailand together in revelry and sport. Across the country, from cities to remote villages, people relish the excitement of this combat sport, as participants and spectators. In large cities, Muay Thai camps teach the art of eight limbs to tourists and city dwellers. They also train young men and women at no cost, teaching them physical and mental discipline with the intent to produce a champion that will bring money and honor back to the camp. Tiew, a 15-year-old fighter and known as the best in his camp, grew up in a village 290 miles from Bangkok. Like many poor villagers struggling to support their children, Tiews parents sent him to a camp in Bangkok to begin his Muay Thai career at age 6. After years of immersing himself fully in his training, Tiew returned to his place of birth on New Years to compete in the championships.

Moe Zoyari / Redux Pictures

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Volunteers give out brochures before a boxing match at Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Muay Thai, a form of kickboxing, brings Thailand together in revelry and sport. Across the country, from cities to remote villages, people relish the excitement of this combat sport, as participants and spectators. In large cities, Muay Thai camps teach the art of eight limbs to tourists and city dwellers. They also train young men and women at no cost, teaching them physical and mental discipline with the intent to produce a champion that will bring money and honor back to the camp. Tiew, a 15-year-old fighter and known as the best in his camp, grew up in a village 290 miles from Bangkok. Like many poor villagers struggling to support their children, Tiews parents sent him to a camp in Bangkok to begin his Muay Thai career at age 6. After years of immersing himself fully in his training, Tiew returned to his place of birth on New Years to compete in the championships.

Moe Zoyari / Redux Pictures

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

People have drinks in an open bar while watching a kickboxing game on a TV near Khao San Road in Bangkok, Thailand.

Moe Zoyari / Redux Pictures

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Spectator watch a a boxing match at Wat Pho Ngam Yawuek temple in a small village in Chumphon Buri District, Surin northeastern of Thailand. Muay Thai, a form of kickboxing, brings Thailand together in revelry and sport. Across the country, from cities to remote villages, people relish the excitement of this combat sport, as participants and spectators. In large cities, Muay Thai camps teach the art of eight limbs to tourists and city dwellers. They also train young men and women at no cost, teaching them physical and mental discipline with the intent to produce a champion that will bring money and honor back to the camp. Tiew, a 15-year-old fighter and known as the best in his camp, grew up in a village 290 miles from Bangkok. Like many poor villagers struggling to support their children, Tiews parents sent him to a camp in Bangkok to begin his Muay Thai career at age 6. After years of immersing himself fully in his training, Tiew returned to his place of birth on New Years to compete in the championships.

Moe Zoyari / Redux Pictures

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

A child athlete takes a rest during a boxing match at Wat Pho Ngam Yawuek temple in a small village in Chumphon Buri District, Surin northeastern of Thailand. Muay Thai, a form of kickboxing, brings Thailand together in revelry and sport. Across the country, from cities to remote villages, people relish the excitement of this combat sport, as participants and spectators. In large cities, Muay Thai camps teach the art of eight limbs to tourists and city dwellers. They also train young men and women at no cost, teaching them physical and mental discipline with the intent to produce a champion that will bring money and honor back to the camp. Tiew, a 15-year-old fighter and known as the best in his camp, grew up in a village 290 miles from Bangkok. Like many poor villagers struggling to support their children, Tiews parents sent him to a camp in Bangkok to begin his Muay Thai career at age 6. After years of immersing himself fully in his training, Tiew returned to his place of birth on New Years to compete in the championships.

Moe Zoyari / Redux Pictures

Honorable Mention - 2016 Sports Picture Story

Tiew, and her family pray at their home in a small village in Chumphon Buri District, Surin in Thailand